MATCH PREVIEW South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Gold Coast Titans

Closing Round 3 of the NRL Premiership is the clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Gold Coast Titans.

TEAM FORM GUIDE

South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Rabbitohs have enjoyed a great start to their season with two wins from two games over the defending premiers and the Dragons. Souths will be looking forward to their first home game on Sunday against the Titans who are still searching for their first win. Forward Liam Knight has been suspended for two games after been found guilty of a grade two charge against Dragons forward James Graham. Centre Greg Inglis is battling a shoulder injury though is expected to play.

Coach Garth Brennan will be hoping for a better performance from his team this Sunday evening after a 20-6 loss last week to the Sharks. Brennan has named an unchanged side for Sunday’s game as they hunt for their first win of 2019. The Titans will up against it with Souths one of the four remaining unbeaten teams whilst they have been struggling with only one try in two games.

As mentioned the Rabbitohs have lost Knight for the next two weeks as he lost his case at the judiciary earlier this week. Youngster Corey Allan is more than likely to come in and take Knight’s spot on the bench.

Garth Brennan has trusted the same 17 from last week to turn around their misfortunes from the first two rounds. Dale Copley has been named on the extended bench as he looks to come back into the team following an interrupted pre-season with calf injuries.

The Titans and Rabbitohs have been involved in some gripping contests since 2007 when the Titans first came into the league. The Rabbitohs have a slight edge in the head-to-head tally at 10-6, including last year’s gutsy 18-16 round 14 win without their Origin stars. With both teams willing to throw the ball around expect a lot of attacking football come Sunday night.

KEY BATTLE

The two lock forwards – Cameron Murray and Jai Arrow – will be instrumental in determining the outcome of the game. Murray has started the season exceptionally, scoring two tries and averaging 145 metres per game. Queensland Origin forward Arrow has been superb for the Titans in their two losses, averaging 185 metres per game including last week’s monster 280-metre game. This battle in the middle third of the field will have a big say in who takes home the two competition points.

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS

Date: Sunday March 31

Venue: ANZ Stadium

Kick-off: 6.10pm (local)

Referee: Matt Noyen, Chris Butler

WHO WILL WIN?

All the signs point to a Rabbitohs victory though don’t put it past the Titans to cause a boilover. With Souths’ attacking prowess, they will simply be too strong for the Titans. It will be a close game until halfway through the second half when I see the Rabbitohs pulling away and collecting their third win of the season.